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News Archive

CFD Mourns the Loss of Theodore "Ted" Lamb

Theodore E. “Ted” Lamb, a native of Cooperstown who will be remembered for his faithful devotion to his beloved village, died Friday morning, April 26, 2013, at his home on Linden Avenue. The husband of Celia B. Lamb, Ted was 80 years old.

Born Oct. 15, 1932, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, the son of Eldred J. and Beatrice A. (Pratt) Lamb, he was a sixth-generation descendent of Deigh Chamberlin who settled the Westville-Hooker Mountain area in the early 1800s. In his youth, and later with the help of Harry Peplinski and Bob Pierro, Ted enjoyed operating the ski tow located on the family farm in Pierstown.

After attending the Cooperstown Central School, Ted served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 until he was honorably discharged in 1955.

He married Celia Blessin in Cooperstown on Sept. 30, 1955.

In the early 1950s, he began his employment with the Village of Cooperstown in the Streets Department and was also a part-time Village Police Officer. He was later employed by the Cooperstown Central School as a custodian for 31 years and as a bus driver for more than 46 years, having the joy of busing four generations of children. For 43 years he was the friendly ticket seller at Cooperstown Central School’s basketball games.

A 57-year member of the Cooperstown Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 Ted took great pleasure in driving the Department’s 1952 Mack Fire Truck, which he lovingly called the “Old Girl,” for many parades and funerals.

He was also a Cooperstown Native Son and a 57-year member of Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Celia B. Lamb of Cooperstown; two sons, Theodore E. Lamb Jr. and his wife, Kim of Clay and David E. Lamb and his wife, Lorie of Schuyler Lake; six grandchildren, Taylor, Shelby and Cooper Lamb and Lindsey, Daeltun and Charlie Sue Lamb; one sister, Joyce A. Crowley and her husband, Robert of Turnersville, N.J.; one brother, Larry J. Lamb and his wife, Sally of Pleasant Brook; one brother-in-law, Arthur Blessin and his wife, Beverly of Fly Creek; one sister-in-law, Betty (Blessin) Schmigg and her husband, Gene of North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ted was predeceased by his three brothers, Lowell, Stewart and John.

The Lamb family will miss not only our husband, father and grandfather, but especially our “Best Friend.”

Calling hours, which will be hosted by Ted’s sons, will be at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

The Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 will conduct a service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by a Firefighter Memorial Service.

At the request of the family, his burial service will be private in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery. He will be accorded the Final Alarm at the Fire Station and will be brought to the cemetery aboard the “Old Girl.”

It is requested by Ted’s family that flowers not be sent. However, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Cooperstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are pending under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.